Wednesday, May 11, 2011
NM regulators uphold 'outstanding waters' decision
New Mexico regulators have turned down a request by a ranchers group to stay a sweeping water protection measure approved last fall. The "outstanding waters" designation guarantees special protection for rivers, streams, lakes and wetlands in federal wilderness areas across the state by prohibiting any activities that would degrade water quality. The New Mexico Cattle Growers' Association had argued the designation was too broad and could result in lawsuits over grazing on public forest lands. The Water Quality Control Commission dismissed the group's petition for a stay during a meeting Tuesday. Proponents of the designation say it provides a sense of water security in a time of persistent drought and climate changes. Before the designation, state officials said New Mexico had lagged behind other Western states in protecting water sources. AP
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This commission has nothing to do with the security of water during drought or any other event. It is another attempt to control all components of production.
First of all there is no definitive water quality measurement currently approved by any authority for Wilderness areas. Remember, Wilderness falls within federal lands and water within state authority. Activities within wilderness are at the discretion of congress and not the state. When this quasi
commission on water quality put its regulations into consideration the first will be to regulate livestock in wilderness waters. Let's don't forget that people, elk, and the other myriad of terrestrial life forms also inhabit the wilderness and use its waters. This commission should be dissolved by the governor. It is an unnecessary drain on the states financial reserves.
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